CERMAK PRODUCE #5 LTD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. ALSO NOTED IS NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN POULTRY PREP. HANDWASHING SIGNAGE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED CROSS-CONTAMINATION. FOUND READY-TO-EAT PORK SKINS STORED IN THE RAW EGGS CARDBOARD BOX. INSTRUCTED MANAGER: DISCARD PORK SKINS AND NOT STORE READY-TO-EAT FOOD ITEMS IN RAW FOOD CONTAINERS TO PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE (TOP INTERIOR) FILLED WITH BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: FOUND THE OPERATOR CURING MEAT AND OBSERVED CHORIZO DRYING IN THE MEAT BUTCHER PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED IS STEAK JERKY DRYING UNDER THE HOOD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. FOUND NO VARIANCE ON SITE. A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SHALL OBTAIN AN APPROVED VARIANCE FROM CDPH BEFORE CURING FOOD. CHORIZO AND BEEF JERKY WERE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED OPERATOR TO NO LONGER SELL OR SERVE SAID FOOD ITEMS UNTIL HACCP AND A VARIANCE IS APPROVED BY CDPH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: FOUND NO HACCP OR VARIANCE ON SITE. APPROVED HACCP AND VARIANCE IS REQUIRED FOR CURING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: FOUND NO LABEL ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS (FLOUR, SEASONING, ETC.) TAKEN OUT OF ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COMMON NAMES FOR ALL FOOD CONTAINERS TAKEN OUT OF THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND APPROX. 100 RAT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDER THE DRY STORAGE RACK WHERE TAIJIN, RAMEN, EVAP MILK, ETC IS STORED. SAID RACK IS DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE POULTRY PREP AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT AREA WHERE SODA IS STORED. THE OPERATOR MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOUND LIQUOR STORED ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. NOTED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN DAIRY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF OF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND PAINT PEELING FROM CEILING IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM POULTRY PREP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE FLOOR LOCATED IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA, DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM POULTRY PREP. NOTED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE FLOOR LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT NEXT TO THE DOOR WITH STAIRS NEXT TO SODA STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE WATER, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: FOUND THE BASEMENT FREEZER WITHOUT LIGHT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: FOUND THE BASEMENT FREEZER WITHOUT LIGHT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.